ITV viewers were left stunned on Friday morning as Angela Scanlon swept onto the This Morning sofa, quietly replacing Alison Hammond and sparking fierce debate over whether the Strictly alum could become the show’s next permanent star.
With the festive exodus underway and the regular hosts already signing off for Christmas, the daytime programme has become a revolving door of stand-ins — but today’s switch triggered the biggest reaction yet.
After Emma Willis pulled out due to illness, Angela, 41, was drafted in at short notice to join Dermot O’Leary — and she delivered her trademark Irish charm with a grin, telling viewers she was “popping her This Morning cherry.”
But if producers hoped for a gentle reception, they didn’t get it.
Within minutes, social media lit up — divided, sarcastic… and passionate.
❄️ A Turnstile Week — and a Shock Swap
Fans joked that Dermot has had so many co-hosts this week that ITV “should fit a turnstile in the studio,” following appearances from Olivia Attwood, Christine Lampard and more.
But today’s novelty wasn’t just another festive fill-in:
for the first time this week, Alison’s Friday seat was filled by someone who wasn’t her — and viewers noticed.
💥 ‘Who IS she?’ — The Backlash
Some viewers were baffled, and a few brutal.
“Who on earth is she?”
“Who is this redhead?”
“She and Dermot do NOT gel.”
Others swore off the show altogether, irritated by a repeated turkey-cooking segment and dismissing Angela as “terrible.”
One critic fired the harshest blow:
“Angela Scanlon is so bad I actually WISH Alison Hammond was presenting. And that’s saying something.”
🌈 ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ — The Supporters Strike Back
But while some slammed her debut, others were instantly charmed.
“Love Angela on the show — she’s a breath of fresh air.”
“She’s far more likeable than Cat.”
“Angela for Fridays — replace Alison!”
Several fans even suggested the Irish presenter had stronger chemistry with Dermot than some of his long-term partners.
And in a week where viewers have slammed monotony and inconsistency, Angela’s spark — and fiery red hair — stood out.
🌟 What This Means for the Future
The reaction says everything ITV executives needed to hear:
viewers are watching closely — and they care.
With Alison Hammond’s future frequently speculated upon, Cat Deeley rumoured to be rethinking her workload, and the Christmas break giving bosses time to breathe, Angela Scanlon’s surprise debut may have landed at exactly the right moment.
Whether this was a one-off… or a screen test…
the message from fans is unmistakable:
Angela Scanlon didn’t just pop her cherry —
she popped a conversation ITV can’t ignore.
